Chandigarh, Sept 1 — Punjab Revenue, Rehabilitation and Disaster Management Minister Hardeep Singh Mundian on Monday said that devastating floods triggered by incessant rains have affected more than 2.56 lakh people across the state, leaving 29 dead and thousands displaced.
Briefing reporters, Mundian said large-scale rescue and relief operations are underway. “The state has witnessed widespread devastation due to incessant rains and floods, causing unprecedented damage to human lives, property, crops, livestock and infrastructure. The government is working round-the-clock to provide immediate relief,” he mentioned.
According to official data, 15,688 people have been evacuated, with major operations in Gurdaspur (5,549), Ferozepur (3,321), Fazilka (2,049), Amritsar (1,700), Pathankot (1,139) and Hoshiarpur (1,052). Smaller evacuations were carried out in Barnala, Kapurthala, Tarn Taran, Moga and Mansa.
A total of 7,144 people are currently sheltered in 129 relief camps set up in affected districts. Ferozepur houses the largest number at 3,987, followed by Fazilka (1,201), Hoshiarpur (478), Pathankot (411) and Gurdaspur (424). Camps have also been established in Amritsar, Barnala, Kapurthala, Mansa, Moga, Sangrur and Patiala.
Floodwaters have impacted 1,044 villages in 12 districts. Gurdaspur remains the worst-hit, with 321 villages and 1.45 lakh residents affected. Other severely impacted areas include Amritsar (35,000 affected), Ferozepur (24,015), Fazilka (21,562) and Pathankot (15,053). Smaller impacts were reported from Kapurthala, SAS Nagar, Hoshiarpur, Jalandhar, Moga, Barnala and Mansa.
On deployment of forces, the minister said 20 National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams have been stationed in six districts, while the Army, Navy and Air Force have deployed 10 active columns, with eight more on standby. “Around 35 helicopters from the Army and Air Force have been pressed into service. BSF units are also on the ground providing support,” Mundian said. In addition, 114 boats and one state helicopter are assisting in evacuation.
From August 1 to September 1, 29 people lost their lives in flood-related incidents across 12 districts. The highest casualties were reported in Pathankot (6), while Amritsar, Barnala, Hoshiarpur, Ludhiana and Mansa each reported three deaths. Other fatalities were recorded in Bathinda, Patiala, Rupnagar, SAS Nagar and Sangrur. Three people remain missing in Pathankot.
Agriculture has also taken a major hit, with 94,061 hectares of crops damaged. Amritsar reported the largest loss with 23,000 hectares affected, followed by Mansa (17,005), Kapurthala (14,934), Tarn Taran (11,883) and Ferozepur (11,232). Several other districts, including Hoshiarpur, Jalandhar, Pathankot, Patiala, SAS Nagar, Moga and Ludhiana, also reported significant damage.
Mundian said relief distribution and medical assistance are being extended in all affected areas. “The actual scale of livestock and infrastructure loss will only be known once waters recede, but preliminary reports suggest heavy damage,” he added.
The minister assured that the Bhagwant Singh Mann-led government is committed to immediate relief and long-term rehabilitation.
He has also directed all deputy commissioners to complete loss assessments at the earliest to enable timely compensation.
